Local Guns-N-Hoses Blood Drives Announced

BY MELANIE BUCK –

Two local fire departments have vowed to raise the roof during their annual Guns N Hoses Blood Drives that are coming up soon. According to the Arkansas Blood Institute, the supply is in constant need of being replenished, as there is no substitute for blood.

Each year, the fire departments face off against law enforcement in an effort to encourage blood donations. When donating to a Guns N Hoses drive, be sure to choose which team you are donating for.

Although all blood types are needed, those with O-negative type blood are especially encouraged to donate. Only 9% of the national population has type O-negative, however, it can be used by anyone in an emergency situation when a patient’s blood type has not yet been identified.

Each donor will receive two tickets to Tulsa Zoo and a donor t-shirt. All blood donations to ABI are used in the state of Arkansas, and through a special initiative to support the Global Blood Fund, any donor can forgo the free t-shirt offered and in turn, the funds will instead be contributed to GBF for supplies and equipment for blood centers in the world’s poorest countries.

Appointments are not necessary but can be made by calling 479-652-2364 or visiting www.arkbi.org.

Hatfield Volunteer Fire Department will host their Guns N Hoses Drive at the Hatfield Auditorium on Wednesday, June 22, from 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Mena Fire Department will host their drive on Monday, June 27, from 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. in the Saint Agnes Church Parish Hall.

Everyone 16 years old and older are encouraged to give blood.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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